Passion Play Archives

Oberammergau Passion Play Tours – On Location 5 of 10

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 4:28 pm  
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Oberammergau

 Local or regional history in the U.S. dating older than 300 years is difficult to come by and yet the tradition of the Passion Play in the communities of the Ammergau Alps region and specifically Oberammergau, is older than 450 years!

Many people assume that the inhabitants of Oberammergau are all devoutly religious and it is for this reason that the Passion Play tradition continues.  However, this is quite contrary to the truth.  Europe has gone through a major decline in church attendance in the past 50 years and many Europeans, as do many Americans, question their faith. With this said, one might ask why they continue the Passion Play tradition.  Surely it’s not because they believe that the Black Plague will return as punishment for the discontinued 1633 pledge of their forefathers!

I think many would agree that the tradition of the Passion Play continues because of the tradition itself. But, perhaps more profoundly, there is something in all of us that finds comfort and peace in the story of a man from Nazareth named Jesus Christ.

Passion Play Travel – On Location 4 of 10

Thursday, November 12th, 2009 at 1:00 pm  
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Oberammergau

 From the vantage point of the stage you can see again that there isn’t a bad or obstructed view in the theatre. The floor is also well sloped to avoid straining over heads in front of you!Center stage is quite deep, but this functions as storage for the sets and props necessary for such a large production. Oberammergau also hosts other theatrical events in the years it is not preparing for the Passion Play. You can see from the previous entry’s photo that the stage is also very wide and provides for many entrance and exit points for the hundreds of actors who participate in the Passion Play – thus allowing for quick scene changes and a seamless theatrical flow.

Passion Play 2010 – On Location 3 of 10

Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 12:46 pm  
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Oberammergau Inside the Passion Play Theatre, I took a tour guided by Martin Weber, who doubles as a local woodcarver and who has participated in several Passion plays during his life in Oberammergau. I was very impressed with the simple yet well thought out structure of the theatre. I honestly believe there isn’t a bad seat in the place. As you can see, the stage is exposed but the seating remains covered. I suppose those in the first rows of seats may be susceptible to the elements, but I would advise all spectators to dress comfortably and with layers in order to keep comfortable during the almost 6 hour long production!

Passion Play Tours – On Location 2 of 10

Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 3:22 pm  
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Oberammergau Oberammergau is a small village, easily walkable, and pedestrian friendly. From the location in the photo, essentially the center of the village, the Passion Play theatre is about 2 blocks away. If you look to the bottom left of the photo you will see one of the many storefronts of the local woodcarvers. Many of them also use their store as their ‘studio’ so you can watch them carve as you shop! The history of woodcarving in Oberammergau and the Ammergau region can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages, with records indicating monks returned from the area with wood art and small wood furniture. During your visit you will be able to see that the artisans still practice the traditional methods of the art form. Of course, many of these woodcarvers are also actors in the Passion Play since all participants must also be residents of Oberammergau.

Passion Play – On Location 1 of 10

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 12:45 pm  
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Hello!  My name is Rachel Najar and I am the European Operations Manager for Image Tours, Inc.

In preparation for Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany, I recently traveled to the beautiful countryside of southern Bavaria in Germany and the region of Tyrol, Austria in order to meet with the service providers, see some of the hotels, and discuss the  2010 Passion play with the Tourist office and locals of Oberammergau.

Over the next months I will continue to share my experiences, as well as my photos from this inspection trip to give you a taste of all the preparations and excitement that surround the Passion Play, performed every 10 years in the village of Oberammergau, Germany.

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